At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead quality strategy and innovation in food products while collaborating with passionate colleagues.
- Company: Join M&S, a forward-thinking retailer committed to quality and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, and tailored training from day one.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with strong support for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in food safety and quality while shaping the future of retail.
- Qualifications: Degree-level qualification and senior experience in the food sector required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
We're looking for someone accomplished and confident in their technical leadership. This isn't a step-up role, it's a step in, to a position with weight and visibility. Our Senior Technologists are trusted experts. You'll represent M&S in the supply base, steer quality strategy, and make calls that balance technical integrity with commercial goals.
This role is hugely varied, and no two days are the same! You will lead on the quality, innovation, food safety, integrity, ethical and sustainability credentials of our products and work with passionate colleagues to continuously learn and step change our product ranges.
You'll move confidently between solo work and collaboration, adapt when priorities shift, and balance technical decisions with commercial goals. Food retail moves fast, and priorities aren't always clear cut, you'll need to be resilient, comfortable with ambiguity, and ready to solve problems creatively. And if in doubt, engineer more quality in.
If you care about quality, thrive on variety, and want to make a real impact - this could be your next move.
Due to high interest, this role may close earlier than advertised. We recommend applying as soon as possible.
What you'll do:- Lead supplier partnerships to ensure products are made safely and consistently to agreed standards
- Partner with the category team to shape innovative product development and define quality benchmarks
- Build and deliver research and innovation plans that drive strategic new product development
- Own product quality performance, using insight and supplier collaboration to deliver step changes where needed
- Degree-level technical qualification in a relevant subject
- Proven experience within the food sector, operating at a senior level
- Confidence and credibility to lead technical decisions, represent the business externally, and influence quality strategy
- Externally recognised professional competence where appropriate (e.g., FIFST, MIFST)
Working at M&S means being part of something bigger - helping to deliver quality, value and service to millions of customers every day. We're inclusive, fast-moving and always evolving, with a strong sense of purpose and a focus on doing the right thing.
Here are just a few of the benefits that make working here even more rewarding:
- 20% colleague discount on all M&S products and many third-party brands for you and someone in your household, available once you've completed your probation
- Competitive holiday allowance with the option to buy more
- Discretionary bonus schemes linked to your performance and ours
- Strong pension and life assurance to help plan for the future
- Tailored induction and training to support your development from day one
- Exclusive perks and savings through our M&S Choices portal
- Market-leading family policies, including parental, adoption and neonatal leave
- 24/7 wellbeing support, including virtual GP access and mental health services
- One paid volunteer day a year to support a cause that matters to you
Everyone's welcome. We are ambitious about the future of retail. We're disrupting, innovating and leading the industry into a more conscientious, inspiring digital era. We're transforming how we work together and offering our most exciting opportunities yet. Marks & Spencer strives to be an inclusive organisation, trusted and admired by our colleagues, customers and suppliers. Join us and make change happen.
We are committed to building diverse and representative teams, where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and be at their best. We support each other and work together to win together.
If you feel you'd benefit from any support or reasonable adjustments during any stage of the recruitment process, please don't hesitate to let us know when completing your application. This information will be picked up by our team, so we can try and put steps in place to help you be at your best through this process.
Senior Food Technologist employer: AgHires
At Marks & Spencer, we pride ourselves on being an inclusive and innovative employer, offering our Senior Food Technologists the opportunity to lead impactful projects in a dynamic environment. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive benefits, and a commitment to sustainability, you'll thrive alongside passionate colleagues who share your dedication to quality and integrity. Join us in shaping the future of food retail while enjoying a supportive work culture that values your contributions and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Food Technologist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts and attend food tech events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare to discuss your past projects and how you've tackled challenges in the food sector. Confidence is key, so practice articulating your achievements.
✨Tip Number 3
Be adaptable! The food retail world is fast-paced, so be ready to pivot your approach during interviews. Highlight your problem-solving skills and how you thrive in ambiguous situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of the M&S team. Don’t wait too long; roles can close quickly!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Food Technologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Expertise:Make sure to highlight your technical qualifications and experience in the food sector. We want to see how you've led quality strategies and made impactful decisions in your previous roles.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Senior Food Technologist role. We love seeing how you can bring value to our team.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who is not only qualified but also passionate about food quality and innovation. Show us what makes you unique!
Apply Early:Due to high interest, this role may close earlier than advertised. We recommend applying as soon as possible through our website to ensure your application is considered!
How to prepare for a job interview at AgHires
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge related to food safety, quality standards, and innovation. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in previous roles, especially in a senior capacity.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires confidence and credibility in leading technical decisions. Think of examples where you've successfully influenced quality strategy or led supplier partnerships, and be ready to share these stories during the interview.
✨Embrace Ambiguity
Food retail is fast-paced and often unpredictable. Prepare to discuss how you've navigated unclear priorities in the past and how you creatively solved problems. This will demonstrate your resilience and adaptability.
✨Align with Their Values
Marks & Spencer values quality, sustainability, and ethical practices. Familiarise yourself with their mission and be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, particularly in terms of making a real impact in the food sector.
